The Dodgers have held or shared the best record in baseball since May 2, a span of 77 days. It will last at least one more day, because the Red Sox, a half-game behind the Dodgers entering play Saturday, lost to the Blue Jays earlier today.
Clayton Kershaw and his amazing left arm take the hill tonight. Kershaw has allowed three runs in his last six starts -- all Dodger wins -- and his 0.76 ERA during that span is easily the best in baseball. Since May 1, Kershaw has allowed 18 runs in 14 starts, for an amazing 2.06 ERA, and is 7-3 during that time.
Mike Hampton, who hasn't pitched against the Dodgers in over four years, starts for the Astros.
Russell Martin, hitting .312/.436/.403 since June 18, was profiled by Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
"He's better," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. "We were in Milwaukee and he hit some balls on the button and didn't get many hits, but right now, I think mechanically he's about as good as he's been so far this year."
Sure, the Dodger bullpen has thrown 10.1 innings in the last two nights, but look at the back end of the bullpen:
| Jonathan Broxton: | last pitched 8 days ago |
| Ramon Troncoso: | last pitched 6 days ago |
| James McDonald: | last pitched 6 days ago |
That sure seems like a well-rested bunch to me.
Get your guesses in for today's "Clogging The Bases" here.
Game Time: 7:10pm
TV: Prime Ticket